JP2006263342A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report the arrival of an operation timing so as to be easily recognized by a player compared to momentary reporting such as the flicker of a lamp and to make a game be enjoyed regardless of the technique of the player. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine comprises: reels in a plurality of columns for circulating and variably displaying two or more kinds of patterns; a stop switch for stopping the variably displayed patterns; a CPU for deciding an internal winning role composed of a prescribed pattern combination by drawing; the CPU for judging whether or not the patterns constituting the internal winning role decided by the CPU are stopped on a winning line and imparting a profit to the player in the case of judging that the patterns are stopped on the winning line; and a timer display part for reporting the arrival of the operation timing of the stop switch, at which it becomes possible to stop the patterns constituting the internal winning role of the reels on the winning line, by using the reduction or increase of the time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a spinning machine called a so-called pachislot machine, other slot machines, pachinko machines, and a symbol combination game machine represented by a virtual game machine that simulates these on a personal computer screen.

A slot machine called a pachislot will be described as an example. This type of slot machine has three reels side by side displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface. When the start switch is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted, each reel starts to rotate, and the symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface of each reel are moved and displayed. When a stop switch corresponding to each reel is operated from this state, each reel stops.
After all the reels are stopped by such an operation, if a combination of symbols stopped on the winning line that is valid corresponding to the number of medals inserted constitutes a predetermined winning mode, a predetermined number of coins are given to the player. Profits such as payout of coins are awarded as dividends.

  Now, the slot machine performs a lottery process for each game, and only when a winning occurs in the lottery process, permits to stop the symbol corresponding to the winning combination (referred to as an internal winning combination) on the winning line. Reel stop control is performed.

  With this reel stop control, if an internal winning has not occurred in the lottery process, no winning will occur even if the player performs the operation of the stop switch at the timing to stop the symbols constituting the winning mode on the winning line. Conversely, even if an internal winning has occurred, the player cannot win a prize unless the player performs the operation of the stop switch at the timing to stop the symbols constituting the winning mode on the winning line.

  For this reason, the player is required to have a technique for performing a reel stop operation at a timing for stopping the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination on the winning line (referred to as “to push”). However, since not all players can see and learn to push, there is a risk that the target audience that can enjoy the slot machine game may be limited.

In view of this, a gaming machine that assists the player in pushing the game has been proposed. For example, there has been proposed a device in which an LED is provided on the front surface of a slot machine and the timing of the pressing operation of the reel is notified by blinking the LED or changing the brightness of light emission (for example, Patent Document 1). .
JP 1999-47352 (paragraph [0023]).

  However, the above-described notification of the eye pressing operation timing by blinking of the LEDs has a problem that it is difficult to measure the eye pressing timing, and there is also a problem that the operation is not interesting.

  As means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following features.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine, wherein a plurality of rows of variable display means (for example, reels) that variably display a plurality of kinds of symbols and a variable display stop that stops the symbols that are variably displayed. Means (for example, a stop switch), lottery means (for example, main CPU) for determining an internal winning combination consisting of a predetermined symbol combination by lottery, and symbols constituting the internal winning combination determined by the lottery means on the winning line It is determined whether or not it has stopped, and if it is determined that the symbol has stopped on the winning line, a determination means (for example, a main CPU) for giving a profit to the player and an internal winning combination of the variable display means are configured. Timer means (for example, a timer table) for notifying the arrival of the operation timing of the variable display stop means capable of stopping the symbol on the winning line using the decrease or increase in time. It is characterized by having a part) and.

  According to such a gaming machine, it is possible to easily notify the player of the arrival of the operation timing, and to entertain the game regardless of the skill of the player, compared to instantaneous notification such as blinking of the lamp. .

  In the above gaming machine, the timer means displays the initial value and then subtracts with the passage of time, and when the operation timing of the variable display stopping means that makes it possible to stop the symbol on the winning line is reached. “0” may be displayed.

  According to such a gaming machine, since the operation timing of the variable display stop means is notified by the value displayed on the timer decreasing every moment, the player must react instantaneously to the blinking of the lamp or the like. Compared to the case, it is possible to easily grasp the arrival of the operation timing.

  In the above gaming machine, the timer means may notify the arrival of the operation timing only when the internal winning combination is a predetermined combination.

  In the above gaming machine, the timer means may notify at random the arrival of the operation timing.

  The timer means is configured to determine an initial value of the timer based on the number of spaced frames between the symbol positioned on the current winning line, the symbol constituting the internal winning combination, and the reel rotation number determined by lottery. It is good.

  According to such a gaming machine, the operation timing of the variable display stop means can be notified to each of the plurality of variable display means at different times for each of the plurality of rows of variable display means. It becomes easy to perform the pushing operation every time.

  The gaming machine further includes sub-variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows corresponding to each of the plurality of rows of variable display means, wherein the sub-variable display means faces the player. The timer means may be provided in the vicinity of the sub-variable display means.

  In such a gaming machine, the variable display means is not necessarily in a position where it is easy for the player to visually recognize. Therefore, a timer means is provided in the vicinity of the auxiliary variable display means that is easier to visually recognize, and it is easy to visually recognize the arrival of the operation timing. it can.

  According to the present invention, because the timer notifies the operation timing of the stop switch that can configure the winning mode, all players including the unskilled player can reliably perform the pushing operation, It is possible to fully enjoy the fun of the game in the symbol combination gaming machine.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[1. Example of external configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This gaming machine is a so-called “slot machine” (also called a pachislot machine). The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a coin, medal, game ball, token, or the like, or a game medium such as a card that stores information on the game value assigned to the player. In the following description, medals are used.

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire slot machine 1, and vertically elongated display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross up line 8a and a cross down line 8e in the diagonal direction. These winning lines are operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12 and a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, respectively. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is indicated by the lighting of the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success or failure of winning the winning combination. Specifically, one symbol corresponding to a predetermined winning combination (for example, “watermelon small role” described later), for example, a watermelon (graphic 93) described later, corresponds to a predetermined position corresponding to the center line 8c (for example, If the number of bets to be described later is “3”, the symbol is stopped and displayed at the middle position in the left display window 4L), or the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined winning combination are displayed on any winning line. A predetermined winning combination will be won by being stopped and displayed in a corresponding predetermined position.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three main reels (hereinafter also referred to as “reels”) 3L, 3C, and 3R each having a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are arranged in a horizontal row. Is provided. The design of each reel can be seen through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Each reel corresponding to the variable display means rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute). On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp 9c are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals placed to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

  Further, below the three main reels and the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, a rectangular liquid crystal display screen (hereinafter also referred to as “display screen”) 5a is provided on the front surface of the panel display unit 2a. Yes. The display screen 5a includes sub display windows 4 'corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R described above, sub reels 3l, 3c, and 3r corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R described above, and BET lamps 9a, 9b, BET lamps 9a ′, 9b ′ and 9c ′ corresponding to 9c are displayed on a liquid crystal display. Further, an information display unit 18 made of 7SEGLED is provided below the BET lamps 9a ', 9b', 9c 'displayed on the liquid crystal. The BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, the information display unit 18 and the like are separately displayed outside the liquid crystal display screen 5a under the control of the main control circuit 71. The sub reels 3l, 3c, and 3r are components corresponding to the sub variable display means.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the number of BETs is “1” and one winning line is activated (when one winning line is set). The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and the three pay lines are activated (when the three pay lines are set). The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated (when all (5) winning lines are set). The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals stored (credited), the number of medals paid out at the time of winning a prize, and the like.

  Below the sub reels 3l, 3c and 3r, timer display units 23, 24 and 25 for assisting the pressing of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are provided. Timer display portions 23, 24 and 25 corresponding to timer means are provided corresponding to the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R, respectively. Each of the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 functions as a subtraction timer for instructing the player to press the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R that can stop the symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination on the effective winning line. To do. The subtraction timer first displays an arbitrary time as an initial value, and thereafter subtracts and displays the fixed value every time a fixed time elapses. If the player can press the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R at the timing when the subtraction timer becomes “0” while watching the subtraction timer displayed on the timer display units 23, 24, 25, the main symbol is selected according to the internal winning combination. It can be stopped on the effective pay lines of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  In the present embodiment, the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 are configured by 7-segment LEDs, but the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 are any devices and devices that can display a subtraction timer. For example, a liquid crystal display device may be used.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 are illustrated as displaying one-digit numerical values, but the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 include a plurality of digits (including digits after the decimal point). ) May be displayed.

  A horizontal base 10 is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5, a medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the base 10, and a 1-BET switch 11 and a 2-BET switch are on the left side of the base 10. 12 and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided.

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches 11, 12, and 13, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 that switches credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10. By switching the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 in the lower front part, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation, and the start lever 6 for starting the variation of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is rotated within a predetermined angle range. It is attached freely.

  Three stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. Yes. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16. In the embodiment, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped.

  Here, basically, the maximum value of the number of sliding symbols in the gaming state is set to “4” for one or a plurality of reels. The “sliding frame number” is basically determined from when the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R corresponding to the variable display stop means are operated (after the operation is detected) until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. The number of symbols to be displayed in between. In addition, the number of symbols (the amount of symbol movement) moved from when the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R are operated until the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. Specifically, as for the number of sliding symbols, after the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R are operated and before the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop, the center of the symbol shows a predetermined winning line such as the center line 8c. It matches the number of symbols crossed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop switch operation) performed when all the reels are rotating is the “first stop operation” and the stop operation performed after the “second stop operation”. The stop operation performed after “second stop operation” and “second stop operation” is referred to as “third stop operation”.

FIG. 2 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number of “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (shown in FIG. 8) described later as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "Red 7 (symbol 91)", "Blue 7 (symbol 92)", "Watermelon (symbol 93)", "
A symbol row composed of symbols “Replay (symbol 94)”, “Bell (symbol 95)”, and “Blank (symbol 97)” is shown.The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R each have a symbol row. It is rotationally driven to move in the direction of the arrow 2.

  Here, in the combination of the embodiment, BB, RB, rib lay, watermelon small combination, bell small combination and JAC are provided. RB is a type 1 special agent. BB is an accessory continuous operation apparatus according to the first type special accessory.

[1.1. Game state etc.]
FIG. 3 shows the game state of each game state, the transfer condition, and the game state of the transfer destination when the transfer condition is satisfied. The gameability in each gaming state (for example, a stop control mode of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R according to a stop winning combination described later) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The game modes of the present embodiment basically include a general game state, a BB game state, an RB game state, a BB carryover state, an RB carryover state, and a BB general game state. The BB carryover state and the RB carryover state are hereinafter referred to as “carryover state”. Further, the winning combination carried over during the carryover state is hereinafter referred to as “carryover combination”.

  The general gaming state is basically a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate (game value given to a player for a unit gaming value bet on a game)” is smaller than “1”. . Further, it is a gaming state without a carryover role described later, and is the most disadvantageous gaming state for the player as compared with other gaming states.

  The BB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a BB general gaming state and an RB gaming state. Further, the BB gaming state is basically a gaming state configured by a game in which the “actual accessory continuous actuating device related to the“ first type special accessory ”” is operating.

  The RB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “first type special character” is operating.

  The BB carryover state is a gaming state in which BB winning is permitted over one or more games. The RB carryover state is a gaming state in which RB winning is permitted over one or more games.

  Here, by satisfying a specific condition in the BB general gaming state, the RB does not win ("Red 7-Red 7-Blue 7" is not stopped and displayed along the winning line). A state occurs (transition to the RB gaming state). In addition, in the BB gaming state (the BB general gaming state and the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state), when the RB is won internally, the RB carryover state (the RB during BB carryover state) over one or more games in the BB gaming state When the RB wins, the game state is shifted from the RB carryover state (RB carryover state during BB) to the RB game state in the BB game state.

  Also, when the RB is won internally during the BB gaming state, or when the RB does not win during the RB carryover state and a specific condition is satisfied, the current gaming state (for example, the RB gaming state during BB) It is also possible to shift the gaming state to the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state. However, when the BB gaming state end condition is satisfied during the RB carryover state (RB during RB carryover state), the game state is shifted from the RB carryover state (RB during BB carryover state) to the general gaming state. Yes. On the other hand, when the RB is internally won in the general gaming state, the RB carryover state is entered and the RB is carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the condition for generating the BB gaming state is a BB winning. When the acquired number (for example, so-called “pure increase number” or “paid-out number”) becomes a predetermined number (for example, 361), the game state transition condition is satisfied, and the game state shifts to the general game state.

  The condition for generating the RB gaming state during the general gaming state is RB winning. The transition condition is established when one of the conditions that the predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) the game is completed and the predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) is achieved, and the gaming state is established. Transition to the general gaming state.

  The condition for generating the carryover state is one of winning the BB internally, winning the RB internally, or winning the RB internally during the BB gaming state. A transition condition is established by winning a BB or RB, BB gaming state ending, or RB gaming state starting in the BB gaming state, and the gaming state is BB gaming state, RB gaming state or general gaming state Migrate to

  The occurrence condition of the BB general gaming state is that the BB wins or that the RB gaming state ends in the BB gaming state. When the BB gaming state ends or the RB gaming state starts during the BB gaming state, the transition condition is established, and the gaming state transitions to the general gaming state or the RB gaming state.

  The occurrence condition of the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state is that a specific condition is established in the BB gaming state or during the BB gaming state, or the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state or in the BB gaming state. RB wins the prize. When one of the conditions that a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) a game is completed, that a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) a winning is realized, or that a BB gaming state is ended is established. The transition condition is established, and the gaming state shifts to the RB gaming state or the BB general gaming state in the BB gaming state.

With reference to FIG. 4, a combination of a combination, a symbol, and a payout number will be described.
Here, “winning” means that a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination with a payout (for example, “bell small part”, “watermelon small part”, “JAC small part”) is stopped and displayed on the winning line. The winning combination (for example, “BB”, “RB”, “Replay”) with a payout number of “0”, in other words, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination with no payout stops on the winning line Sometimes it is displayed. However, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination with payout is stopped and displayed on the winning line is defined as “winning”, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination without payout is stopped and displayed on the winning line. In some cases, both are distinguished as “winning combination”. The winning combination, winning combination, combination of operating symbols, etc. may be collectively referred to as “display combination”. In addition, the above-mentioned “bell small part”, “watermelon small part”, and “JAC small part” may be collectively referred to as “small part”.

  BB winning is realized by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” along the winning line. RB winning is realized by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the winning line.

  Replay winning is realized by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” along the winning line. When winning a replay, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming medals. In other words, the replay is a role that allows a game to be performed without winning game value by winning.

In addition, the combinations of symbols that the “watermelon small role” and “bell role” will win are as shown.
JAC winning is realized by arranging “Bell-Replay-Bell” in the RB gaming state.
In the general game state and carryover state, there may be cases where a prize is awarded to a BB, RB, replay, watermelon or a bell.
In the BB general gaming state, there is a case where RB, replay, watermelon small part or bell small part is won.

  In the RB gaming state during the general gaming state, RB, replay or JAC may be won, and in the BB gaming state, RB, replay or JAC may be won.

The probability lottery table will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 (1) shows a general gaming state probability lottery table. In the general game state, there is a case where any combination other than JAC is won.

  FIG. 5 (2) shows a probability lottery table for the BB general gaming state. In the BB general gaming state, one of RB, replay, watermelon small part, bell small part or lose (no) is won. While in the BB general gaming state, it may be possible to make a transition to the BB gaming state regardless of the winning combination, but as a condition for the gaming state to transition to the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state, the BB in-between state is passed And can be migrated.

  FIG. 5 (3) shows an RB gaming state probability lottery table in the general gaming state. In the RB gaming state, either replay, JAC, or loss (no) is won.

  FIG. 6A shows a carry-over state probability lottery table. In the carryover state, the player wins either a replay, a watermelon small part, a bell small part or a loss (none).

  FIG. 6 (2) shows an RB gaming state probability lottery table during the BB gaming state. In the RB gaming state during the BB gaming state, one of RB, replay, JAC, or lose (no) is won. Further, in the BB general gaming state and the RB carryover state during BB, a table obtained by removing RB from the BB general gaming state probability song selection table of FIG. 5 (2) is used. The lottery probability is only the probability of RB being “0” (the probability of winning the RB is 0), and other roles have the same probability (the probability of loss can be changed). In the RB gaming state in the BB gaming state and in the RB carryover state in the BB gaming state, a table (as a winning combination) in which the RB is excluded from the RB gaming state probability lottery table in the BB gaming state of FIG. A table in which no RB is selected). As for the lottery probability, the probability of RB is only “0”, and the other roles have the same probability.

  Here, the probability lottery table is provided for each set value (setting) provided in a plurality of stages (for example, six stages), but the probability lottery table for each set value is omitted. The set value is basically a value set (selected) by the game store side, and the degree of player's advantage in the game (for example, the winning rate, winning probability, etc.) differs according to the set value. Yes. In the embodiment, “1” to “6” are provided as setting values. The probability of winning at least one of the roles such as BB and RB is set to be different between at least one of the “two” set values. In addition, a winning combination (internal winning combination) is determined using one probability lottery table for all setting values, and a winning combination selection table for stopping used for determination of a winning combination for stopping described later is changed according to the setting. You can also.

With reference to FIG. 7, the winning combination selection table for stop will be described.
In the winning winning combination selection table, the lottery values to be won for each winning winning combination for each internal winning combination and gaming state are shown.

  The winning combination for stop is information used for stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. When the winning combination for stopping is determined, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are allowed in a state in which the stop mode of the symbol or symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is allowed to be stopped and displayed in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Is controlled to stop. In addition, stop control is performed with a grip that does not allow a symbol or symbol combination corresponding to a role other than the winning combination for stop.

  The lottery value is a value to be subtracted from the extracted random number value. When the lottery value is subtracted from the random value and the subtracted value is negative, information corresponding to the lottery value (stop winning combination) is selected. The extraction range of random numbers is “0” to “127”. For example, when the internal winning combination is watermelon in the general gaming state, when the extracted random number value is “30”, first, the lottery value “20” corresponding to the watermelon that is the winning winning combination from “30” is set. Subtract. The subtracted value is “10” (a positive value). Next, the lottery value “108” corresponding to the small watermelon combination which is the winning combination for stopping is subtracted from “10”. The subtracted value is negative. Therefore, the small part of watermelon is selected as the winning combination for stopping.

  The maximum number of sliding frames on the reel corresponding to the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation is set to “4”. That is, when a watermelon small combination is selected as the winning combination for stopping, winning of the watermelon small combination is allowed, but the success or failure of the winning will depend on the operation timing of the stop switch by the player. . Similarly, even when all the small combinations are set as the winning combination for stop, the success or failure of the subsequent winning will depend on the operation timing of the stop switches 7L, 7C, 7R by the player.

  If the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation are not performed and the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0” (“the player has not operated the stop switch and the predetermined time has elapsed) In the case “corresponding to the case”), the main control circuit 71 performs stop control so as not to win the winning combination.

When the internal winning combination is BB, in the general gaming state, BB is selected as the winning combination for stopping.
When the internal winning combination is RB, RB is selected as the stop winning combination in the general gaming state and the BB general gaming state. In the RB gaming state, RB or none (losing) is selected as the winning combination for stopping. Here, when the RB is won in the RB gaming state, the RB is carried over.

When the internal winning combination is replay, replay is selected as the winning combination for stop in the general gaming state, the carryover state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state.
When the internal winning combination is a watermelon small combination, the watermelon small combination is selected as the winning combination for stopping in the general gaming state, the carryover state, and the BB general gaming state.
When the internal winning combination is a bell small combination, the bell small combination is selected as a winning combination for stopping in the general gaming state, the carryover state, and the BB general gaming state.

  When there is no internal winning combination (losing), in the general gaming state, the BB general gaming state, and the RB gaming state, none (losing) is selected as the winning winning combination for stopping. Further, when there is no internal winning combination (losing), the carryover combination is selected as the stop winning combination in the carryover state. This carryover combination includes an RB carried over in the RB carryover state during BB.

  Here, the winning combination table for stopping is provided for each set value, but the probability lottery table for each set value is omitted. In the embodiment, the selection probability of the stop winning combination corresponding to at least one of the internal winning combinations is set to be different between at least any “two” set values. It is also possible to determine a winning combination for stopping using a single winning combination selection table for stopping with all the set values, and to change the probability lottery table used for determining the winning combination for stopping according to the setting.

[2. Example of electrical configuration of gaming machine]
[2.1. Example of main control circuit configuration]
FIG. 8 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the slot machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, a sub-control circuit 72 for controlling LEDs and lamps is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33. The CPU 31 is a component that functions as a lottery unit and a determination unit of the present invention.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 stores a probability lottery table (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) used for determination of random sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and a winning combination selection table for stop (see FIG. 5). 7), a stop table group for determining the reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop switch, various control commands (commands) for transmission to the sub control circuit 72, and the like are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands and information to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, various flags, game state information, and the like are stored.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), and an information display section. 18, a hopper 40 (including a payout driving unit) that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41, and a stepping motor 49L that rotationally drives the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. 49C and 49R.

  Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40, a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling the BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. A display unit driving circuit 48 for driving control, a timer display unit driving circuit 103 for driving the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 are connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator. The motor drive circuit 39 rotates the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R at an arbitrary speed.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and generates a start switch signal. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop switch 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of medal payout when the count value (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) of the medal detection unit 40S reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 8, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. Based on the random number sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32, the winning combination (internal winning combination) is determined.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated as described above is provided corresponding to each code number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32. In this winning symbol combination table, winning symbol combinations, winning medal dividends, and winning determination codes representing the winnings are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop and when the winning confirmation is made after all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped.

  Based on the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 operates the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R, and the selected stop. Based on the table, a signal to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  In the stop mode indicating the winning combination, the CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the “medal payout process”.

  Further, the ROM 32 stores a reel rotation number lottery table which is a table to be referred to when the CPU 31 performs lottery determination of the reel rotation number in a later-described push timer update process. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reel rotation number lottery table. When the reel rotation number lottery table shown in this figure is used, the CPU 31 acquires a random number in the range of 0 to 127, and according to the acquired random number value, it is 4, 8, 12, or 16 rotations. It operates to determine any reel rotation speed.

[2.2. Sub-control circuit configuration example]
FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration including a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speakers 21L and 21R based on a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  In FIG. 10, the sub-control circuit 72 is configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71, and includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 73 as a main component, and a liquid crystal display. The apparatus 5 includes an image control circuit 81 as display control means, a sound source IC 78 for controlling sounds emitted from the speakers 21L and 21R, and a power amplifier 79 as an amplifier. With this configuration, the sub-control circuit 72 performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 5 based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 71 and controls output of sound from the speakers 21L and 21R.

  The sound source IC 78 has a function of reading sound data from a sound ROM (not shown) in accordance with commands and signals from the sub-microcomputer 73, a volume adjustment function of adjusting the magnitude of the signal input to the power amplifier 79 in multiple stages, and the like. is doing.

  The sub-microcomputer 73 has a sub CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76, and the like that perform control operations in accordance with commands and signals transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The commands from the main control circuit 71 are sent via the IN port 77. The input command and the command for the image control circuit 81 are output via the OUT port 80.

  The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. A stop sub reel or the like is determined by this random number sampling.

The sub CPU 74 further transmits a predetermined command to the sound source IC 78 and the image control circuit 81 based on the command from the main control circuit 71.
The program ROM 75 stores a control program executed by the sub CPU 74.
The image control circuit 81 includes an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87, and an image control IC 88. The image control CPU 82 determines the display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the image control program stored in the image control program ROM 84 based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. A command from the sub CPU 74 is input via the IN port 85.

  The image control program ROM 84 stores an image control program related to display on the liquid crystal display device 5 and various selection tables (corresponding to effect data). The image control work RAM 83 is used as temporary storage means when the image control CPU 82 executes the image control program. The image control IC 88 forms an image corresponding to the display content determined by the image control CPU 82 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 5. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 is used as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 88 forms an image.

  On the other hand, the sub CPU 74 is configured to display an image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and to output sound to the speakers 21L and 21R based on a command from the CPU 31.

  For example, the sub CPU 74 transmits a signal to the image control CPU 82 to display the liquid crystal display every time a start command and a reel stop command are input from the CPU 31 based on the operation of the start lever 6 and the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R. An image is displayed on the display screen of the device 5.

[3. Example of game machine operation]
Next, in order to describe an example of the main operation of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[3.1. Main flow]
First, the main flow (main processing) of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. First, after starting the main process, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (S101). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the designated RAM area at the end of the game is cleared (S102). Specifically, the CPU 31 erases the data in the writable area in the RAM 33 used in the previous game, writes the parameters necessary for the next game in the writable area in the RAM 33, and executes the sequence program in the next unit game. Specify the start address.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs medal insertion / start check processing (S103). In this medal insertion / start check process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the medal passage is detected by the medal sensor 22S, whether the 1-BET switch 11, the 2-BET switch 12, and the maximum BET switch 13 are turned on, or Based on the replay flag, it is determined whether or not a replay has been won in the previous unit game, and a medal is inserted (that is, a BET) based on each determination result. The replay flag is information for specifying whether or not the replay has been won in the previous unit game. The replay flag is set to be turned on when the replay is won, and is turned off when the medal insertion process is finished in S103. Is done. In S103, the CPU 31 performs a process of determining whether or not the maximum BET number has been reached. The maximum number of BETs in the slot machine 1 is basically set to 3 and is set to 1 in the RB gaming state. Further, in S103, when the CPU 31 determines that the maximum BET number has been reached, the CPU 31 performs a process of determining whether or not the start switch 6S has been turned on by the start operation.

  When determining that the start switch 6S is turned on in S103, the CPU 31 extracts random numbers for lottery used in the probability lottery process or the like (S104).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs gaming state monitoring processing (S105). In this gaming state monitoring process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the general gaming state and the RB internal winning state based on the presence / absence of a carryover combination and the presence / absence of the operation of the BB and RB (that is, whether the BB / RB operating flag is on or off). Any one of the BB internal winning state, the RB gaming state, and the BB gaming state is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as the gaming state in the current unit game. CPU31 determines an internal winning combination, a stop table group, etc. based on the game state set in this process.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process (S106). In this probability lottery process, the CPU 31 performs a process of determining an internal winning combination based on a probability lottery table (FIGS. 5 and 6) corresponding to the gaming state. In this probability lottery process, if the determined internal winning combination is BB or RB, the CPU 31 performs a process of setting BB or RB as a carryover combination in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. By setting BB or RB as a carryover combination, BB or RB is carried over until a symbol combination corresponding to BB or RB is displayed.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs stop table selection processing (S107). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines a stop table group based on the gaming state and the internal winning combination. Further, the CPU 31 determines an effective line according to the selected stop table group, and determines a stop table from the stop table group based on the determined effective line.

  Next, the CPU 31 sets a start command in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (S108). The start command includes information such as a gaming state, an internal winning combination, a carryover combination, a stop table group, and a stop table. The set start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in a command transmission process (S301) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not 4.1 seconds, which is a standby time, has elapsed since the start of the previous rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (S109). When it is determined that 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, the CPU 31 performs a wait process (S110). In this wait process, the CPU 31 performs a standby process without performing the subsequent processes until 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of rotation of the previous reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  When determining that 4.1 seconds have elapsed in S109, or when performing the wait process in S110, the CPU 31 sets a game monitoring timer (S111). The CPU 31 counts the above-mentioned 4.1 seconds by the game monitoring timer set in this process.

[3.2. Pushing timer set processing]
Next, the CPU 31 executes a pressing timer setting process (S112). The eye-pressing timer setting process is a process for setting an initial value of the timer for each timer display unit 23, 24, 25. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart as an example of the pressing timer setting process.

  When the eye-pressing timer setting process is started, the CPU 31 first acquires the symbol code of the symbol located at the current reel stop position from the reel position detection circuit 50 (S201). Hereinafter, the symbol code acquired in S201 is referred to as a reference symbol code. The reel stop position may be any position within the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. However, in this embodiment, the reel stop position is the uppermost position in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R (top line 8b). Suppose that

  Next, the CPU 31 searches for the symbol code of the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination from the reference symbol code toward the upper code (the symbol displayed on the display window after the symbol corresponding to the reference symbol code) (S202). The symbol code obtained as a result of the search is called a target symbol code.

  Next, the CPU 31 calculates the number of frames (symbols) from the reference symbol code to the target symbol code (hereinafter referred to as the number of separated frames) (S203).

  Next, the CPU 31 calculates the symbol movement time based on the number of separated frames calculated in S203 (S204). The “symbol moving time” is the time required for the symbol corresponding to the target symbol code to move to the reel stop position. The symbol movement time can be obtained by calculating, for example, “time for which the symbol moves by one frame when the reel is in a constant speed rotation state” × “number of separated frames”.

  Next, the CPU 31 extracts a random number for the reel rotation speed (S205). In this embodiment, random numbers are extracted from the range from 0 to 127.

  Next, the CPU 31 compares the extracted random number value with the reel rotation number lottery table shown in FIG. 10, and obtains a rotation number of 4, 8, 12, or 16 according to the random number value (S206).

  Finally, the CPU 31 calculates an initial value (referred to as an initial timer counter initial value) to be displayed on the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 based on the previously calculated graphic movement time and the number of rotations described above. This is set in the area (S207).

The initial value of the counter timer counter is calculated by the following formula.
Initial value of counterclockwise timer counter =
Symbol moving time + time required for one reel rotation × reel rotation speed FIG. 13 shows an example of calculating the initial value of the pushing timer counter.

  FIG. 13A shows the current symbol arrangement before reel rotation. Assume that the internal winning role is "Bell". The CPU 31 detects that the symbol code at the current reel stop position is the watermelon, replay, and watermelon for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and the most recent target symbol code “ Look for "Bell". The left reel 3L has “bell” in the number of separated frames 1, the middle reel 3C has “bell” in the number of separated frames 2, and the right reel 3R has “bell” in the number of separated frames 3.

  Further, it is assumed that the CPU 31 performs lottery of the number of rotations, and as a result of the lottery, the left reel 3L is determined to be 4 rotations, the left reel 3C is 8 rotations, and the right reel 3R is 12 rotations.

The CPU 31 calculates the initial value of the pushing timer counter corresponding to each reel 3L, 3C, 3R as follows.

Initial value of the pushing timer counter corresponding to the left reel 3L =
0.035714 seconds x 1 (frame) + 0.75 seconds x 4 (rotation) ≒ 3 (seconds)

Initial value of the pushing timer counter corresponding to the middle reel 3C =
0.035714 seconds x 2 (frames) + 0.75 seconds x 8 (rotations) ≒ 6 (seconds)

Initial value of the pushing timer counter corresponding to the right reel 3R =
0.035714 seconds x 3 (frames) + 0.75 seconds x 12 (rotations) ≒ 9 (seconds)

These initial values of the pushing timer counter are stored in the RAM 33.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state where the “bell” symbol shown in FIG. 13A has moved onto the winning line in the display window. In this embodiment, the initial value of the timer counter is set so that the “bell” symbol is positioned on the top line 8b, but any other winning line is used instead of the top line 8b. The number and the initial value of the timer counter may be calculated.
With the above, the eye-pressing timer setting process ends, and the process of the CPU 31 returns to the main flow.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description of the main flow will be continued.
After the end timer setting process (S112), the CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all reels (S113). For example, the CPU 31 performs processing such as turning on the rotation start request flag of the RAM 33. When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start rotation, acceleration control, and constant speed control are performed in a reel control process (S302) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 sets a reel stop permission command in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 when the rotation speed of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R reaches constant speed rotation (S114). The reel stop permission command includes information indicating that detection of the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R by the stop operation has become effective. The set reel stop permission command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in a command transmission process (S301) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a stop operation is performed by the player and any of the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R is turned on (S115). That is, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R are turned on based on a signal generated by the reel stop signal circuit 46. When determining that the stop switch is not turned on (S115, No), the CPU 31 refers to the value of the automatic stop timer and determines whether or not this value has become “0” (S116). The automatic stop timer is a value measured from the start of reel rotation, and is a value subtracted by CPU 31 from a predetermined initial value as time elapses. When this value is 0, it means that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of reel rotation. If the value of the automatic stop timer is not 0 in the determination of S116 (S116, No), the process returns to the process of determining whether or not the stop switch is turned on (S115).

  On the other hand, when the value of the automatic stop timer is 0 in the determination in S116 (S116, Yes), the CPU 31 performs a process of determining the number of sliding symbols (S117). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the stop table determined in the above-described stop table determination process in S107 and the timing when the stop switch is turned on (that is, the stop operation position).

  Subsequently, a “reel stop command” including information on a reel to be stopped (reel corresponding to the operated stop switch) is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (S118). The reel stop command includes information on a reel that is subject to stop control (that is, information on a stopped reel). The set reel stop command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in a command transmission process (S301) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Subsequently, the CPU 31 waits for the number of sliding frames to rotate the reel corresponding to the stop switch that has been turned on (S119).

  Next, the CPU 31 requests to stop the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch that has been turned on (S120). For example, the CPU 31 performs processing such as turning on the rotation stop request flag of the RAM 33. When the rotation stop of the reel is requested, reel deceleration control and stop control corresponding to the turned-on stop switch are performed in a reel control process (S302) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (S121). When the CPU 31 determines that all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not stopped (S121, No), the CPU 31 proceeds to the previous S115 and determines whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the remaining reels is turned on. repeat.

  When the CPU 31 determines in S121 that all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have stopped (S121, Yes), it performs a display combination search process (S122). In this display combination search process, the CPU 31 sets a display combination flag for identifying a display combination based on a predetermined combination in the RAM 33 based on the winning combination for determination and the stop symbol sequence which is a combination of symbols displayed on the determined effective line. Set to area. Specifically, the CPU 31 identifies the display combination based on the code number of the symbols arranged along the effective line such as the center line 8c and the display combination determination table, and the identified display combination is included in the determination winning combination. It is determined whether or not.

  The determination winning combination includes an internal winning combination and a carryover combination. For example, when the bell is determined to be an internal winning combination in the probability lottery process in the unit game in the RB internal winning state (that is, the carryover combination is RB), the determination winning combination in the game is RB or Bell. Further, when the watermelon is determined to be an internal winning combination in the probability lottery process in the unit game in the general gaming state, the winning combination for determination in the game is the watermelon.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is an illegal hit, that is, whether or not the display combination is normal (S123). Specifically, when the display combination is lost, the CPU 31 determines that it is normal regardless of the gaming state. When the display combination is included in the determination winning combination, the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is normal regardless of the gaming state.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the display combination is not normal (S123, Yes), it displays an illegal error (S124). In this case, the CPU 31 stops the game and waits for a reset switch (not shown) provided in the slot machine 1 to be turned on.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S123 that the display combination is normal (S123, No), the CPU 31 sets the display combination command in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (S125). The display combination command includes information on a display combination flag for specifying the display combination. The set display combination command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in a command transmission process (S301) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the payout number is 0 (S126). When the CPU 31 determines in S126 that the number of payouts is not zero (S126, No), the CPU 31 stores or pays out medals (including credit addition) (S127).

  When the CPU 31 determines that the number of payouts is 0 in S126 (S126, Yes), or after storing or paying out medals in S127, the CPU 31 sets a payout end command in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 (S128). ). The set payout end command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in a command transmission process (S301) of a periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later.

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on, that is, whether or not the gaming state is the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state (S129). When the CPU 31 determines in S129 that either the BB operating flag or the RB operating flag is on (S129, Yes), the CPU 31 performs a BB / RB end check process (S131). In the BB and RB end check processing, the CPU 31 checks the BB gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, the BB gaming state, the number of games in the RB gaming state, and the like. For example, in the RB gaming state, when it is determined that the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12, the CPU 31 determines that the RB gaming state is over.
When the CPU 31 determines that the end of the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state, the CPU 31 performs BB / RB end processing such as setting the RB operating flag in the RAM 33 to OFF.

When it is determined in S129 that neither the BB operating flag nor the RB operating flag is ON (OFF) (S129, No), the CPU 31 performs BB and RB operation check processing (S130). In the BB and RB operation check processing, when the display combination is BB or RB, the CPU 31 clears various information (for example, carryover combination), sets the BB operation flag and the RB operation flag in the RAM 33 to ON. Process such as. As described above, the CPU 31 executes the process from S102 to S131 as the process in the unit game, and when the process in S130 or S131 is completed, the CPU 31 proceeds to the process in S102 to execute the process in the next unit game.
This is the end of the description of the main flow.

[3.3. Periodic interrupt processing]
Next, the periodic interrupt process in the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG. This periodic interrupt process is a process that occurs at a predetermined interval (for example, 1.2 mSec) based on the clock pulse during execution of the main process (for example, FIG. 11) in the main control circuit 71. When the periodic interrupt process occurs, the main process is interrupted. When the periodic interrupt process ends, the interrupted main process is resumed.

  When the periodic interrupt process is started, first, the CPU 31 performs a command transmission process (step S301). Specifically, various commands set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 are transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. The various commands are, for example, a start command (step S108), a reel stop permission command (step S113), a reel stop command (step S118), a display combination command (step S125), a payout end command (step S128), and the like.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a reel control process for the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S302). In this reel control process, the CPU 31 starts rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, acceleration control, constant speed control, and deceleration control based on information about the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R set in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. , Stop control, etc. Information about the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R includes a reel rotation start request flag that requests the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (see S112), and a reel rotation stop request that requests to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Flags (see S120).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs 7SEG drive processing (step S303). In the 7SEG driving process, control is performed to display information such as the number of winnings or the number of games in the RB gaming state, information on the number of payouts due to winning, information on the number of medals credited, etc. on the information display unit 18 or the like.

  Next, the CPU 31 executes a pushing timer driving process (S304). The eye-pressing timer driving process is a process for displaying timer information on the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 based on the value set in the eye-pressing timer setting process (S112).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the pushing timer driving process. Hereinafter, an example of the pushing timer driving process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the left reel 3L is rotating (S401). If it is determined that the left reel 3L is rotating (S401, Yes), the CPU 31 executes a push timer update process (S402). When it is determined that the left reel 3L is not rotating (S401, No), the CPU 31 does not execute the pushing timer update process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the pushing timer update process. Hereinafter, an example of the pushing timer update process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the eye-pressing timer update process is started, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the value of the eye-pressing timer counter corresponding to the rotating reel is “0” (S501). When it is not “0” (S501, No), the value of the eye-pressing timer counter is subtracted (S502), and the eye-pressing timer update process is terminated. The eye pressing timer counter is data for managing the current value of the eye pressing timer, and may use the same storage area as the aforementioned initial value of the eye pressing timer counter.

  On the other hand, if the value of the count timer counter is determined to be “0” in S501 (S501, Yes), the CPU 31 extracts a random number for the reel rotation number in order to start the count timer counter again (S503). . In this embodiment, random numbers are extracted from the range from 0 to 127.

  Next, the CPU 31 compares the extracted random number value with a reel rotation number lottery table as shown in FIG. 9, and obtains a rotation number of 4, 8, 12, or 16 rotations according to the random number value (S504). ).

  Finally, the CPU 31 calculates an initial value (called initial timer counter initial value) to be displayed on the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 based on the previously calculated symbol movement time and the rotation speed, and stores the predetermined value in the RAM 33. This is set in the area (S505).

  Thus, the eye-pressing timer update process is completed, and the process of the CPU 31 returns to the eye-pressing timer driving process (FIG. 15).

Returning to FIG. 15, the description of the pushing timer driving process will be continued.
The CPU 31 performs the same processing as S401 and S402 for each of the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R (S403, S404, S405, S406).

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotating (S407, S408, S409). When it is determined that any of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is rotating, the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 are driven to display (S410) to assist the player's eye timing, and then the eye timer The driving process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that none is rotating, the CPU 31 does nothing and ends the eye-push timer driving process.

  When the eye-push timer driving process ends, the process of the CPU 31 returns to the periodic interrupt process (FIG. 14).

Returning to FIG. 14, the description of the periodic interrupt processing is resumed.
Subsequent to S304, the CPU 31 starts a lamp driving process (S305). In the lamp driving process, the CPU 31 transmits a command to the lamp driving circuit 45 and controls the lamp driving circuit 45 to light various lamps 9a to 9c, 9a ′ to 9c ′, etc. provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1.

When the lamp driving process (step S305) ends, the CPU 31 ends the periodic interrupt process and returns to the main process (FIG. 11).
This is the end of the description of the periodic interrupt process.

[3.4. Operation of sub-control circuit, processing performed in sub-control circuit]
The control operation of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 17, a reset interrupt process performed by the sub control circuit 72 (sub CPU 74) will be described.

  When the power is turned on and a voltage is applied to the reset terminal, the sub CPU 74 generates a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the program ROM 75 based on the generation of the interrupt. It is configured.

  First, the sub CPU 74 initializes the work RAM 76, the image control work RAM 83, the video RAM 81, and the like (S601).

  Next, the sub CPU 74 performs input monitoring processing (S602). Specifically, the sub CPU 74 checks whether or not a start command, a reel stop command, a display combination command, a payout end command, and the like are input to the IN port 77 from the main control circuit 71. In addition, a signal input from the main control circuit 71 based on an operation of a cross key (not shown), a selection button, a determination button, or the like is confirmed. Here, if there is an input other than during the game, the corresponding effect data (such as menu display data) is determined.

  Next, the sub CPU 74 performs a command input process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (S603). In this command input process, the contents of effects (that is, effect data) executed by the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21R and 21L, the effect lamp group (not shown), or the like according to each command input by the sub CPU 74. decide.

  Next, the sub CPU 74 performs a command output process (S604). In this command output process, a command corresponding to the determined effect data is output to the image control CPU 82 for driving and controlling the liquid crystal display device 5 and the sound source IC 78 for driving and controlling the speakers 21R and 21L. As a result, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays an image corresponding to the output command, for example, a sub reel variable display image. The speakers 21R and 21L output music or sound corresponding to the output command. When the command output process (S604) ends, the sub CPU 74 repeats the processes from S602.

[3.4.1. Example of command input processing]
A specific example of the command input process (S603) described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command input processing.

  When the command input process (S603) is started, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not a command is received from the main control circuit 71 (S701). The sub control circuit 72 (sub CPU 74) executes a command reception interrupt process (not shown), which is a process that occurs every time a command is received from the main control circuit 71. In this command reception interrupt process, the sub CPU 74 stores the command received from the main control circuit 71 in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 76, which is an unprocessed command storage area. In the process of S701 described above, the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed command in a predetermined area of the work RAM 76 stored by the command reception interrupt process.

  When the sub CPU 74 determines that a command has not been received from the main control circuit 71 (S701, No), the command input process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when determining that the command is received (S701, Yes), the sub CPU 74 determines whether the received command is a start command (S702). This start command is a command set in the start command set (S108) in the main process (FIG. 11) and transmitted in the command transmission process (S301) in the interrupt process (FIG. 14).

  When it is determined that the command received in S701 is a start command (S702, Yes), the sub CPU 74 executes a start command reception process (S703).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the start command reception process. Hereinafter, the specific contents of the start command reception process will be described with reference to FIG.
When the start command reception process is started, the sub CPU 74 sets effect data for rotating and displaying the sub reels 3l, 3c, and 3r (S801).

Thus, the start command reception process ends, and the process of the sub CPU 74 returns to the command input process (FIG. 18).
This is the end of the description of the start command reception process.

Returning to FIG. 18, the description of the command input process is resumed.
When the above-described start command reception process is completed, the sub CPU 74 ends the command input process and returns to the reset interrupt process (FIG. 17).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is not a start command in S702 (S702, No), the sub CPU 74 determines whether or not the received command is a reel stop command (S704).

  When it is determined that the command received in S704 is a reel stop command (S704, Yes), the sub CPU 74 executes a reel stop command reception process (S705). FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of reel stop command reception processing. Hereinafter, a specific example of the reel stop command reception process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the reel stop command reception process is started, the sub CPU 74 sets effect data for stopping and displaying the sub reels corresponding to the stop switches 7L, 7C, and 7R (S901).

  Thus, the reel stop command reception process ends, and the sub CPU 74 returns the process to the command input process (FIG. 18).

Returning again to FIG. 18, the description of the command input process is resumed.
When the reel stop command reception process (S705) is completed, the sub CPU 74 ends the command input process and returns the process to the reset interrupt process (FIG. 17).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the command received in S704 is not a reel stop command (S704, No), the sub CPU 74 determines effect data based on information included in various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. (S706). The determined effect data is output as a command from the sub CPU 74 to the image control circuit 81 and the sound source IC 78 in the command output process (S604 in FIG. 17) of the reset interrupt process described above. When the effect data is determined (S706), the sub CPU 74 ends the command input process and returns the process to the reset interrupt process (FIG. 17).
This is the end of the description of the command input process and the operation example of the slot machine 1.

[4. Modifications, etc.]
(1) In the present embodiment, the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 function as subtraction timers. However, they may function as addition timers as long as the push timing can be assisted.

  (2) The information displayed by the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 does not necessarily have to be a numerical value, and the player can be instructed over time to stop the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination on the winning line. Any information can be used. For example, the timer display units 23, 24, and 25 may display information such as a figure such as a bar whose length decreases with the elapse of a predetermined time, or a moving point.

  (3) The configuration may be such that setting, driving, etc. of the push timer is performed only when a specific internal winning combination is established. For example, only when the RB or BB is in the internal winning state, the push timer setting process (FIG. 11, S112), the push timer drive process (FIG. 14, S304), and the push timer update process (FIG. 15, S406) are performed. It is good.

  (4) In the lottery of the reel rotation number for setting the push timer, in this embodiment, the winning probability of each rotation number is made uniform as in the example shown in FIG. 9, but the winning probability depends on the rotation number. May be set differently. For example, a configuration in which the winning probability for a small number of rotations is small and the winning probability for a large number of rotations is large makes it possible to take a longer period of time to measure the time of arrival. I can do it.

  (5) It is good also as a structure which determines execution of the setting of a pushing timer, a drive, etc. at random. By adopting such a configuration, the display of the push timer is not always provided, and is not displayed randomly, so that it is possible to attract more interest from the player.

External perspective view of slot machine The figure which shows the example of the symbol row | line | column provided in the reel outer peripheral surface The figure which shows the generation condition of each game state, a transition condition, and a transfer destination game state The figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the combination, the symbol and the number of payout The figure which shows the example of the probability lottery table The figure which shows the example of another probability lottery table The figure which shows the example of the winning combination selection table for a stop Block diagram showing a configuration example of the main control circuit The figure which shows the example of the table for reel rotation speed lottery Block diagram showing a configuration example of the sub-control circuit Flow chart showing an example of main processing executed by the main control circuit Flowchart showing an example of a press timer setting process executed by the main control circuit Diagram for explaining the calculation of the initial value of the push timer counter Flow chart showing an example of periodic interrupt processing executed by the main control circuit Flow chart showing an example of a push timer driving process Flowchart showing an example of a push timer update process Flowchart showing an example of reset interrupt processing executed by the sub-control circuit The flowchart which shows the example of the command input process which a sub-control circuit performs Flowchart showing an example of start command reception processing executed by the sub-control circuit The flowchart which shows the example of the reel stop command reception process which a sub-control circuit performs

Explanation of symbols

31 ... Main CPU
23, 24, 25 ... Timer display 71 ... Main control circuit 72 ... Sub control circuit 74 ... Sub CPU

Claims (6)

A plurality of rows of variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols;
Variable display stopping means for stopping the variable display symbol;
The lottery means for determining an internal winning combination consisting of a predetermined symbol combination by lottery, and whether the symbols constituting the internal winning combination determined by the lottery means have stopped on the winning line, and the symbol is on the winning line If it is determined that the player has stopped, a determination means for giving a profit to the player,
Timer means for notifying the arrival of the operation timing of the variable display stop means that can stop the symbols constituting the internal winning combination of the variable display means on the winning line using a decrease or increase in time A gaming machine characterized by that.   The timer means displays an initial value and then subtracts as time elapses, and displays 0 when the operation timing of the variable display stop means that allows the symbol to be stopped on the winning line is reached. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the timer means notifies the arrival of the operation timing only when the internal winning combination is a predetermined combination.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the timer means notifies at random the arrival of an operation timing.   The timer means determines an initial value of the timer based on the number of spaced frames between the symbol positioned on the current winning line, the symbol constituting the internal winning combination, and the reel rotation number determined by lottery. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.   The gaming machine further includes sub-variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows corresponding to the plurality of rows of variable display means, and the sub-variable display means faces a player. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is provided in a substantially central portion of a front face, and the timer means is provided in the vicinity of the auxiliary variable display means.

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